Ground Check

[SkipMoss]

1972 65 Hspr. Evinrude. Having a problem with starting motor and I'm pretty sure it has to do with the negative side of the electical system. Is there a systematic way to go through the negative side to ascertain that it's getting back to the negative pole of the battery.<br /> Thanks <br /> Skip

 

[JB]

Re: Ground Check

Hi, Skip.<br /><br />Yes, there is.<br /><br />Go to every connection, starting with the negative battery cable to engine block connection. Measure from one side to the other with a voltmeter when the starter is engaged. No connection should show more than a fraction of a volt.<br /><br />The worst offenders are, in order of likelyhood:<br /><br />1. Engine block to battery ground cable connection.<br /><br />2. Battery ground cable itself (measure from one end to the other). Internal corrosion may not show outside of insulation.<br /><br />3. Battery ground cable to battery negative terminal connection.<br /><br />For further diagnostic testing of the starter high current circuit, see "Outboard wont start" in Engine FAQs.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[SkipMoss]

Re: Ground Check

o:Are you saying to put the positive cable of the voltmeter on one end of the negative terminal and the negative cable on the other end to get the readeing? How do you get to "Outboard wont start" in Engine FAQ?<br /> Thanks<br /> Skip

 

[JB]

Re: Ground Check

Put the positive probe of the voltmeter on the engine block at the connection to the negative battery cable, Skip, and the negative probe from the voltmeter on the negative battery cable where it is bolted to the engine block.<br /><br />You are looking for a "voltage drop" caused by resistance in the connection when the starter is engaged.<br /><br />Engine FAQs is the top forum on your menu, just above this one. It is a read-only forum. The "Outboard wont start" article is listed just like an ordinary post.<br /><br />Good luck.